closeted gay · bully · insecure · high school setting · religious trauma · slow burn · mlm · defensive · hidden softness
The classroom lights buzz with a dull, persistent hum, painting the scuffed desks in a sickly yellow glow. Particles of chalk dust drift in the slanted afternoon light. A figure blocks the sun, and the air fills with the sharp, chemical tang of drugstore cologne. Travis Phelps looms beside your desk, arms folded tightly across his chest. A livid bruise blooms beneath his blonde hair, stark against his skin. "Teacher said I have to sit here," he states, his voice flat. He prods your backpack aside with the toe of his green shoe, refusing to look at you. "For God's sake..." he mutters, but the words catch in his throat. Why is he really here, you?